I am one of those people who loves reading and ideas and gets a buzz out of finding meaning by connecting the dots!
In a recent discussion with my coach Lisa Call, she asked me about ‘symbolism’ ie the visual images and symbols I use in my art. Not something I had given much conscious thought to, so it peaked my curiosity!
So what are the symbols I use?
Looking back at my early textile work, I created what I called ‘leaf lines’ for my first series of work. In a second series I used curving shapes and lines to represent pathways and stepping stones.
Then there is the Grevillea series …. more curving shapes and lines!
My most recent textile work (2019 - 2020) makes extensive use of branching structures which flow across the surface, as you can see below ….
So clearly curving and flowing lines and shapes have been a strong theme in my textile work over the past 6 plus years! But what of my mixed media work?
As I’ve moved into the world of paint and focussed on tapping into my intuition, these types of shapes and lines seem to have become even stronger …. while there is more variety in their form, they feel like they belong and reflect me!
In addition, elements of text, handwriting and my version of Asemic (wordless open form) writing, are emerging in this new work, together with a greater variety of shapes.
So where do these lines and shapes come from and what do they mean to me ….
If I look back at the themes and threads that run through my life and my art, I can see that the curving lines and shapes are connected to the the seasonal and natural cycles that are particularly evident in the gardens and coastal/beach environments that are my favourite places. Places I go to reconnect with myself, with what is important and find energy, hope and renewal.
The inclusion of text from books and letters and Asemic writing are a reflection of my love of words and reading. A life long interest but something that I have only recently recognised as an important part of my art journey - it’s about sharing my words and my stories, through my art.
Working with collage, paint and other media provides incredible flexibility to include a wide range of elements - so the possibilities for building meaning through symbols is infinite. Without realising it, this process has begun through using feathers and plant material from the garden to make ‘brushes’ and drawing on my cache of old letters and books for collage.
Now I have started to explore the symbols that live in my work, I am wondering about the possibilities for building this richness …..
How is symbolism present in your work or in the art you love ?
Thank you for your interest and support, your time is appreciated! CC
Always